Frequently Asked Questions
What makes K9 Guide different?
K9 Guide is a small family business in Akron, OH. We are not a chain dog training franchise like many in the area! This allows us to offer personalized quality training and support for all of our clients. Your dog isn’t just some dog in a kennel – we genuinely care about yours and your dog’s progress and journey and do whatever it takes to make sure our clients are successful.
We have over 30 years of combined dog training experience and are passionate about creating amazing dynamics between our clients and their furry companions. We offer unparalleled client support – one of the many reasons we were voted “Akron’s Best Dog Trainer 2023 AND 2024” by the Akron Award Program!
Click here to learn more about our trainers!
What is your training philosophy?
We are balanced trainers, meaning we utilize training techniques and methods from all four quadrants of operant conditioning. We use a combination of positive reinforcement as well as different training tools to build reliable behavior – not just a dog that sits when it feels like it or under no distractions. This creates dogs that not only love to train, but are also obedient, no matter what.
No two dogs are the same, so we make sure to work with the individual dog in front of us to address the family’s goals and needs. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how well a dog does with a trainer if the family isn’t able to achieve the same results. A huge part of our programs is instructing the owners on how to make sure the results last!
What kind of training options do you offer?
We offer a variety of customizable training options including:
- Board & Train
- In-Home Training
- Private Sessions
- Puppy Programs
- Hybrid Options
- Group Lessons for our Alumni!
What do you teach?
While all of our programs are customized to each family, the basics included in all of our programs are:
- Sit
- Down
- Place
- Come
- Heel & Leash Walking
- House Manners (jumping on guests, counter surfing, and excessive barking)
- Crate Training
- Potty Training
- Threshold Training (dog not rushing out your front door!)
Educating clients and helping them achieve long-term off-leash success is what we do best at K9 Guide!
We also offer AKC Scent Work lessons as well as Protection training.
What kind of dogs do you train?
We work with dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and temperaments!
K9 Guide specializes in off-leash freedom as well as training dogs with behavioral issues. We have decades of experience working with dogs just like yours, and no matter how bad your situation might seem, we can help!
How old does my dog have to be to get started?
We work with all dogs, no matter how young or old. We have several different training options for puppies and would love to help!
What is included in training?
K9 Guide offers unparalleled client support as part of all of our programs!
- As many follow-up lessons as you need: doesn’t matter how well your dog does with the trainer, what matters is you get results! We will teach everyone in your family how to follow through on the training so it is reliable for life.
- All equipment you will need will be included in the cost of training. We make sure to use and recommend the best and safest equipment for your companion.
- Lifetime support: if you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! We will be happy to help, at no extra cost.
- Alumni classes: free group classes for all of our program graduates to ensure that your dog responds to you no matter the environment or the distractions.
What equipment do you use?
We have several equipment options that we use for the dogs we train. Slip collars and prong collars are great tools for training with a dog on leash. All dogs we train start with leash training before we work on giving them off-leash freedom.
We do also include ECollar training as part of our training programs. ECollars are also a great way to actually ensure off-leash reliability. One of the biggest misconceptions owners have is that dogs will respond to commands no matter what after training is done. Dogs are not robots – they are living, thinking creatures with desires of their own. Stuff happens. ECollars are the only tool that guarantees you are able to follow through even when your dog is off-leash. No matter how safe you drive it is still smart to get car insurance, which is why we recommend that no matter how well your dog listens, an ECollar is a great tool to use off-leash.
How much does training cost?
We have a variety of competitively-priced programs to choose from, but program recommendations and pricing varies on each individual dog and family. We consider a variety of factors – owner goals and needs, dogs’ previous training, temperament, age, as well as if there are any behavioral issues. Because of this, we offer a free lesson & consultation to evaluate your individual situation so we can then give program recommendations and pricing information. The consultation is free and there is no obligation to sign up!
Do you have a guarantee?
Whatever results you need for your dog, if you are fully committed to the protocol, utilize all aftercare programs, and make sure to contact us the second you have even the smallest question or concern, we guarantee your satisfaction!
Having said that, dogs are quick to take the path of least resistance if we let them, so family follow-through and consistency in training are essential to ensure long-term success. Client education is vital, which is why as long as you’re committed, we will be there for you and your dog no matter what it takes!